Oh @globaleagle
Told you I didn't want to dive into these threads! (Once you're in, very hard to swim out).
However @Ramrod a good business-model incorporates human resource management. Including compassionate grounds for employees.
Just as every player's contract is unique, so too should be their exit plan, or potential exit plan.
To think that if Skivy, for example, being released a year early to take up a 4mill-deal, would see mass exodus is alarmist and naive.
And you Ramrod were the one saying last week that Matai wasn't all that valuable (,to Manly) and should get to 200 games before throwing his market-value weight around, where you not?
Now he's invaluable and pivotal to Manly's business and ethical profile. Or just to suit your argument this week, more precisely.
His age and our plans beyond 2015 would not see us offering him millions for 3 years. If that sort of offer is available to him now, when it may not be after next year (if he stays) we should consider letting him go home, on compassionate grounds.
That enhances both our business-profile and moral or ethical blueprint too.
And whether he leaves soon or in a year, he will leave, or retire (just like Beaver for example). And then we have to replace him like we do with every aging player.
Oh, and what you, I or the Prime Minister earns is irrelevant. Sporting stars are paid relative to what their industry or field can pay; same as every occupation or profession.
And again, the bottom line for me is Skivy has earned the right to be at least heard out on this release-issue.
He is a legend. (We told Beaver no, not one more year. We didn't even offer Gift another year either). This time it's Skivy saying no, not one more year please , from his side of the table.
And don't forget the money we'd save can go on other, younger players; even towards re-signing Chez if they choose.
